Germany's Tommy Haas is to withdraw from the Australian Open in January after surgery on an injured shoulder. Haas, who reached the semi-finals last year, injured his right shoulder earlier this week while practising in Florida and went to New York to see a specialist.

He was found to have a tear in the rotator cuff in his right shoulder and had surgery on Thursday.

"Tommy is very disappointed," said Tony Godsick, the player's agent. "He was looking forward to starting the year off in Melbourne but is optimistic that he will be back on the court soon. He will start rehab in Florida as soon as he can."

Reuters

what a shame that Tommy won't be playing in Australia next year, especially with all the points he has to defend. but the surgery will do him good and hopefully can prevent future shoulder problems for the German. get better soon, Tommy!

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"Ferrero's going to be a tough one for anybody. This guy is the real deal already. He's got a chance at going a long, long way. This guy could be the best Spanish player ever; that's saying something." - John McEnroe, June 2000

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"Ferrero's going to be a tough one for anybody. This guy is the real deal already. He's got a chance at going a long, long way. This guy could be the best Spanish player ever; that's saying something." - John McEnroe, June 2000

Haas, twice an Australian Open singles semi-finalist, will gain invaluable match practice if any of the event's luminaries are forced out through injury or illness.

The Commonwealth Bank International (January 14-16) is a vital precursor to the Australian Open (January 19-February 1) at Melbourne Park.

__________________"What kind of shape am I in now? Well round is a shape." said Roddick with a laugh. "I had a very detailed retirement plan, and I feel like I've met every aspect of it: a lot of golf, a lot of carbs, a lot of fried food, and some booze, occasionally  I've been completely committed ... The results have shown."